At least nine people, comprising three women and six men, have lost their lives in an auto crash along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, Borno State.

An eyewitness told BusinessDay that the incident occurred at Auno, 35 kilometres away from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

It was gathered that the crash resulted from a head-on collision between Hummer passenger bus, carrying 15 people, and a trailer at Auno village on Friday evening at about 3:30 pm.

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Speaking on the accident, Usman A Muhammad, Corps Commander Sector Commander said a devastating road traffic crash occurred on Friday, 18th July, 2025, along Maiduguri- Damaturu road/highway at approximately 1530hrs, resulting in the loss of nine lives comprising Five Male Adults, one female adult, two male children and one female child.

He said the cause of the crash is attributed to speeding, which resulted in loss of control.

“The total number of passengers seven others sustained various injuries. The crash involved two vehicles (a Toyota Hummer bus belonging to Borno Express and a commercial Trailer).

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“Eight passengers died on the spot, while the one died in the Specialist hospital. The injured are presently receiving treatment at the Specialists Hospital, Maiduguri.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the deceased. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.”

Usman urged the public to exercise caution on the road, noting that further details will be provided as the investigation unfolds.